As is indicated by the product name, the JVC HA-NC80 headphones offer an active noise-canceling mode. JVC asserts that the 'phones offer as much as 75 percent noise reduction. We have no way to measure that accurately, but the HA-NC80s did a good job eliminating the noise from our office ventilation system, as well as some hum from a nearby server. The headphones actually have two modes for reduction: Low, meant for bus and train rumblings; and Wide, which will take care of that pesky airplane engine noise. In any case, neither mode will block out higher-frequency noises, such as the clickity-clack of a neighbor's keyboard.
On the sound-quality tip, the JVC HA-NC80s do a surprisingly decent job. I wouldn't call it fantastic, but when paired with a Creative Zen V Plus, the headphones provided clear highs and a balanced midrange. Even low-end response was decent, though bass addicts may not be entirely satisfied. All in all, I was most pleased with the performance for rock and midtempo electronica. Rated battery life with the noise cancellation turned on is a respectable 25 hours.
